Chapter 3
The next morning, Lorenzo was up early, preparing an elaborate breakfast spread,
He’d prepared a gourmet breakfast spread – eggs benedict, fresh croissants, and my favorite blueberry scones from that little French bakery downtown.
“Try this,” he murmured, holding up a forkful of perfectly poached egg. “Just like our first breakfast together, remember?” His voice was dripping with manufactured tenderness,
Across the table, Isabella pouted until Lorenzo discreetly texted her: “I’ll make it up to you later. Anything you want. Just don’t make a scene in front of her.”
Satisfied, Isabella threw me a contemptuous glance before leaving the table, deliberately brushing against Lorenzo as she passed.
I ignored Lorenzo’s offered bite, pretending to fumble with my utensils as I ate something else. Mistaking my behavior for sulking, he insisted on taking me out after breakfast.
He’d rented a luxury yacht and invited friends for what he claimed was my birthday celebration.
Throughout the journey, Lorenzo held my hand tightly, ostensibly to prevent me from falling, reminiscing about our past happiness. I remained silent, bitter irony mixing with pain in my chest.
I’d once believed in “till death do us part.” What a joke that turned out to be. Lorenzo craved excitement and younger flesh, forgetting our wedding vows.
The yacht’s deck was covered in red rose petals. He knew I hated roses – they were Isabella’s favorite. How fitting that even my birthday celebration wasn’t really for me.
“Remember? We got married right here,” Lorenzo’s voice cracked with emotion, a tear rolling down his cheek. He guided my finger to touch his tear. Such a convincing performance of devotion.
If he hadn’t betrayed me, I might have been moved to tears myself. He had loved me once, but now that love belonged to Isabella.
I withdrew my hand, my face expressionless. Lorenzo’s hurt expression lasted mere seconds before his eyes lit up, looking past me.
Isabella appeared in a custom designer gown that made my simple outfit look dowdy by comparison. “Happy birthday, madam,” she purred, sliding next to Lorenzo and gripping his hand despite the crowd.
“Everything’s ready, sir,” she announced. “Shall I count down?”
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Chapter 3
“Three!” “Two!” “One!”
The night sky erupted with fireworks, painting the darkness with brilliant colors. Standing there, Lorenzo and Isabella looked like the real couple. The fireworks spelled out Isabella’s name, not mine.
This birthday celebration, like the fireworks, wasn’t meant for me at all.
Suddenly, Lorenzo asked the housekeeper to watch me. “Be good, darling. I’ll be right back,” he kissed my forehead before hurrying away with Isabella.
